Print

Cozy Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipe

cozy cheesy beef and rice casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting one-pot casserole combining ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice (brown rice optional)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 14 oz (400 g) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: smoked paprika or chili flakes, frozen peas or corn

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice until coated with beef and oil. Add the 14-ounce (400 g) can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and mix well.
  5. Pour in 2 ½ cups (600 ml) beef broth and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes to start absorbing liquid and flavors.
  7. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to a greased baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brown the beef well for flavor. Do not rinse the rice to keep starch for binding. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melting. Watch broth amount to avoid mushy or hard rice. Let casserole rest after baking to set flavors. Avoid stirring after baking to preserve cheesy crust. Can prepare mixture ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, cheesy casserole, one-pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, rice casserole

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/cozy-cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-easy-one-pot-dinner-recipe/